Poll: Best interceptor of Cold War (1950-1970)?

[davebender]

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The F-104 was the first aircraft to simultaneously hold the world speed and altitude records. On 7 May 1958 U.S. Air Force Major Howard C. Johnson, flying YF-104A 55-2957, broke the world altitude record by flying to 91,243 feet (27,811 m) at Edwards AFB.[55] On 16 May 1958, U.S. Air Force Capt Walter W. Irwin flying YF-104A 55-2969 set a world speed record of 1,404.19 mph over a 15/25 kilometer course at Edwards AFB.[55] Flying F-104A 56-0762 over NAS Point Mugu, California U.S. Air Force Lt William T. Smith and Lt Einar Enevoldson set several time-to-climb records on 13 and 14 December 1958

I'm not a fan of this aircraft type. However if that's what you want then what's wrong with the F-104? It could certainly get to high altitude in a hurry. Not terribly maneuverable but manueverable enough to intercept bombers.

 

[Gixxerman]

Have to say as an interceptor it has to be the Lightning, once it got air-to-air refueling had the big belly tank I think there was little flying that could match it as a get up fast knock them down fighter.
The Lightning - in service - had outstanding climb ability according to everything I've read about it.

That's why the F104 Starfighter doesn't get my vote, in service it was either too short-ranged or as the developed 'sale of the century' multi-role fighter not as fast.